Araghchi: Many Countries Seeking to Mediate Between Iran and the U.S.

Tehran - BORNA - Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit, Araghchi addressed issues related to strengthening ECO, the Caucasus, confronting Israel, possible negotiations with the U.S., and Iran’s upcoming participation in the UN General Assembly.

ECO Strengthening

Highlighting the membership of 10 countries in ECO, Araghchi emphasized the need to expand and reinforce the organization. “We are drafting a 10-year vision for ECO to make its activities more focused and extensive, enabling it to play a greater role in regional economic development,” he said, adding that requests from interested states for membership will be reviewed by the current members.

Israeli Aggression Now a Regional Reality

Turning to the joint Islamic Cooperation Organization–Arab League meeting in Doha, Araghchi said: “The summit was held under highly sensitive circumstances, reflecting the alarm over the threat posed by the Zionist regime to regional countries. Israeli aggression has now become an undeniable reality for all states in the region, and the current focus is on how to confront this threat.”

He welcomed the emerging regional consensus on the matter and underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among regional states.

Mediation and Negotiations

Asked about Qatar’s role as a mediator in potential talks with the United States, Araghchi replied: “Several countries in the region are trying to play a positive role, but the main issue is the other side’s will—whether it is ready for an agreement based on mutual interests and free of threats and intimidation. If they reach that point, the other matters can be resolved.”

Iran at the UN General Assembly

On President Masoud Pezeshkian’s planned trip to New York, Araghchi said: “We have always had a strong presence at the UN, primarily to use this international platform to bring the voice of the Iranian people to the world, defend their rights, and explain the positions of the Islamic Republic on regional and international issues. This year preparations have also been made for the President to attend. I will also participate, though visa-related technical and logistical issues remain, which we hope will be resolved in the coming days.”

He added that the UNGA also provides an opportunity for numerous bilateral meetings that would otherwise each require separate trips. “We will certainly take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.

The Caucasus

On developments in the Caucasus, Araghchi noted the “special complexities” of the region and stressed that solutions should come from within the region itself. “Foreign countries, particularly the United States, have not contributed to sustainable peace there. We have proposed the 3+3 regional mechanism,” he concluded.

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